School Bullying Paper

School Bullying Paper

Lauren Pedersen

Liberty University

School Bullying Paper

Introduction

One of the most difficult issues facing educators and children alike is school bullying. School bullying occurs in the classroom, on the playground, unsupervised areas of the school, and even online via social media sites. Educators and parents need to work together to explain the detrimental consequences of bullying to children and work together to end school bullying.

Definition and Prevalence

School bullying is a rising problem in our country. Nearly every student nationwide has either been bullied, been the bully, or has witnessed acts of bullying. According to the National Education Association (2012), over 75% of students nationwide have reported being bullied verbally, mentally, and physically. One out of five students have reported participating in bullying acts (Bullying Prevention, 2012). Bullying can be defined when a student is repeatedly exposed to negative and harmful, whether physical or mental, actions from another student or students (Brank, Hoetger, and Hazen, 2012). Mount (2005) agrees and argues that bullying is a “…repeated and systematic harassment of another person. It can take many forms but it is clearly intentional and cruel” (pg. 125). Along with in school bullying, children are now facing higher rates of bullying over the internet. According to Agatston, Kowalski, and Limber (2007), over 10% of children in grades six through eight are victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is essentially harassment and negative comments via text messaging and online social media sites (Brank, Hoetger, and Hazen, 2012).

Types of Bullies and Those at Risk

When considering the high rates or in school and cyber bullying, it is important to understand the different bullies and who exactly is at risk for becoming a victim. Mount (2005) argues that there four different bullies: physical bullies, verbal bullies, relational bullies, and reactive bullies....